LAS VEGAS – Five-star forward Trendon Watford says he feels the pressure to stay home — or at least stay in the South — for his college ball.

Not from his friends … but from just about everybody else.

“Fortunately,” Watford said with a smile, “it’s not up to them.”

Archie Miller would agree. Indiana is currently in a dogfight for Watford, one of the most sought-after recruits in 2019. Alabama, Memphis, Florida State, Kansas, Vanderbilt, LSU and TCU are also vying for the versatile, 6-9 do-it-all big from Birmingham, Ala.

The Hoosiers rarely pull from the South. Tom Crean recruited and Miller maintained Georgia's Aljami Durham in 2017. Before him, the most recent southern recruit was Tim Priller, a 2014 center from Texas, who played just 71 total minutes for the Hoosiers.

In case you live under a rock, Trendon is the younger brother of Christian Watford, who starred at IU from 2009-13. The Hoosiers hope that family connection helps them land an instant-impact star.

“(IU) is a strong place in my heart. Obviously, I’ve visited there for so long. It’s obviously good having a relationship with all the fans there,” Watford told IndyStar at the Las Vegas Summer Showcase. “I’m real comfortable with the area and just everybody there — everybody in Bloomington. They know my whole family. (I’ve) just (been) building a strong relationship with coach Archie.”

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Indiana University basketball player Christian Watford's family travels many miles to see him play. Here his father Ernest, right, mother Belinda, brother Trendon and sister Elise, left, watch as the players warn up at half time of their game against Ohio State.(Photo: Matt Kryger, Indianapolis Star)

Now that the July live periods have wrapped up, Watford said he’ll start to narrow his list and think about official visits. He said he’ll likely take those visits during the basketball season — perhaps sooner — and that he might sign with his school late.

One of those visits will “definitely” be to IU, Watford said.

He has previously taken unofficial visits to Bloomington, but he’d already been on campus loads of times before he had five stars next to his name. He was a constant presence at Assembly Hall during Christian’s junior and senior seasons.

“It’d be a great, great place for him,” said Ernie Kuyper, the president and coach of Watford’s AAU club, Hoop City Elite. “It’d be a great story.”

Watford said Christian has been a rock for him throughout his recruitment — that he’d “be going in all different sorts of directions” without his big brother’s guidance.

“It’s been a blessing,” Christian told IndyStar earlier this month. “Just being able to be here and go through the process with him, kind of guide him through it. I just try to be here, help him with it, constantly stay on him about elevating his game, stay on him to seek greatness, get better and better.”

Trendon said Christian doesn’t try to push him “in any way” to go to IU. The older brother was a four-star, top-50 recruit who picked the Hoosiers over Louisville, Alabama and Memphis.

“Obviously, he thinks it’s a great school and a great program,” Trendon said. “But with the coaching change, he doesn't persuade me too much. He’s just trying to leave it up to me.”

Coaches from all of Watford’s top schools came to watch him in Las Vegas. IndyStar saw two of Watford’s games with Hoop City Elite; Alabama coach Avery Johnson and Memphis assistant coach Mike Miller sat baseline for both.

Those two schools are thought to be positioned well with Watford.

Alabama offered him way back in 2015 and have made him and his Hoop City Elite teammate Kira Lewis clear 2019 priorities.

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Archie Miller, head coach of the Indiana men's program waves during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Men's basketball players stretch before the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Curtis Jones goes high for a dunk as he wins this contest at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Zach McRoberts (left), and Justin Smith, during a men's scrimmage during Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Hoosiers fans line up for the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

De'Ron Davis signs autographs with other players during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Fans take a look at new sculptures honoring past Hoosier greats, at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Cheerleaders get the crowd going during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Archie Miller, head coach of the Indiana men's program, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Romeo Langford, an Indiana recruit, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Darius Garland, an Indiana recruit, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Freddie McSwain Jr., limbers up during annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Teri Moren, head coach of the women's team, talks to fans during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Ethan Lasko warms up during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Robert Johnson warms up during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Juwan Morgan warms up during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Aljami Durham, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Freddie McSwain Jr., during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Women's player Tyra Buss watches a promo video for the women's and men's teams during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Johnny Jager, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Josh Newkirk, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Robert Johnson, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Curtis Jones (right), brings the ball upcourt during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Devonte Green works a possession during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Archie Miller, men's head coach for the Hoosiers, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Vijay Blackmon (left), and Juwan Morgan look for a rebound during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Robert Johnson (left), and Juwan Morgan, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Collin Hartman greets a young fan during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Cheerleaders entertain the crowd as they wait for the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Young fans watch televised coverage of Indiana's football loss to Michigan State University, before the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Quentin Taylor, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Archie Miller, head men's coach, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Archie Miller (left), and other men's coaches and support staff, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Josh Newkirk competes in the three-point shooting contest at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Clifton Moore competes in the dunk contest, at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Freddie McSwain Jr., competes in the dunk contest, at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

De'Ron Davis during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Curtis Jones competes in the dunk contest, at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Clifton Moore dunks during a scrimmage at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Devonte Green rattles toward the hoop during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Justin Smith (left), is fouled by Zach McRoberts during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Zach McRoberts, at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Robert Johnson, at a scrimmage that is part of the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Devonte Green, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Zach McRoberts (right), during a scrimmage at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Robert Johnson, at the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Juwan Morgan, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Tim Priller, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Romeo Langford, an Indiana recruit, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Recruits and fans behind the Indiana bench during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Zach McRoberts (right), works a possession during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Devonte Green during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Devonte Green (right), during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Players Collin Hartman (left), Zach McRoberts, Robert Johnson, and Race Thompson, during the annual Hoosier Hysteria at Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. The event serves as a public introduction to the Indiana University men's and women's basketball teams. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

As for Memphis: Hoop City Elite used to be Mike Miller’s namesake AAU program; it was called M33M before he took the Memphis job. Today, Hoop City Elite is still run by Kuyper, Miller’s cousin. Christian Watford played for Miller with M33M and Trendon has known him for more than a decade.

IU is trying to sell Watford on how it would utilize him in its open, free-flowing offense. Watford said Archie Miller showed him film of Juwan Morgan during his in-home visits, demonstrating how Morgan has excelled in open space with the Hoosiers.

Georgia Stars guard Trendon Watford (left) puts up a shot against the Athletes Of Tomorrow during their Nike EYBL game in Dallas, Texas.(Photo: Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

“Doing those home visits was great,” Watford said. “Great talk, great relationships.”

And that’s what Watford said his decision will boil down to: relationships — the trust he’s built with coaches that they can help him get to the NBA.

But it’d be silly to think Watford’s family connection to Bloomington won’t be a factor, too. Even though the decision is far off, Watford has pictured himself in a Hoosiers jersey.

“It makes me feel good,” he said. “Obviously, my brother played there. He had a great career there, great four years.

“I’d be grateful to follow in his footsteps.”

Matthew Bain covers college football and basketball recruiting for the Des Moines Register. He also helps out with Iowa and Iowa State football and basketball coverage for HawkCentral and Cyclone Insider. Contact him at mbain@dmreg.com and follow him on Twitter @MatthewBain_.